How to Cast to a Google TV Device

The Basic Steps to Cast From Your Phone or Computer

Casting to Google TV works through the same Chromecast technology that powers other Google Cast devices. On most phones and computers, you open the app or browser window you want to share, tap or click the Cast button (usually three stacked lines with a WiFi symbol), select your Google TV device from the list, and the content appears on your screen within seconds.

The Cast button location varies by app. In YouTube, it's in the top right corner. In Chrome on a computer, it's in the three-dot menu. In Google Photos, it's also in the top right. Some apps hide it until you swipe or look for it in settings. If you don't see a Cast button, the app may not support casting — check the app's help section to confirm.

Your phone or computer and your Google TV must be on the same WiFi network for casting to work. If they're on different networks, casting won't appear as an option. Once you select your device, you stay in control of playback from your phone or computer — you can pause, skip, or adjust volume from either place.

Key Takeaways

Open the app or content you want to cast, tap the Cast button, and select your Google TV device from the list that appears.
Your phone or computer and Google TV must be connected to the same WiFi network for casting to work.
The Cast button location differs by app, but it usually appears in the top right corner or inside the menu.
You control playback from your phone or computer even after casting starts — pausing, skipping, and volume changes work from either device.
Not all apps support casting; if you don't see a Cast button, the app may not have that feature built in.

Casting From Android Phones and Tablets

Android phones and tablets have the easiest casting experience because Google Cast is built into the operating system. Open YouTube, Google Photos, Google Play Music, or any other app that supports casting, look for the Cast icon, and tap it. A list of nearby Cast devices appears — your Google TV should be there by name.

Tap your Google TV device, and the content starts playing on your television within a few seconds. The app on your phone becomes a remote control. You can pause, play, skip forward or backward, and adjust volume without touching your TV remote. If you want to stop casting, tap the Cast icon again and select "Disconnect."

Some Android apps let you cast the entire screen instead of just one app. To do this, go to Settings, find Display or Cast, and look for "Cast this device" or "Screen mirroring." This sends everything on your phone's screen to the TV, not just one app. Screen mirroring uses more battery and can be slower than casting a single app, so use it only when you need to share your whole phone screen.

Casting From iPhones and iPads

iPhones and iPads don't have built-in Cast support like Android does, but many individual apps include a Cast button. Open YouTube, Google Photos, Google Home, or another app that supports Google Cast, tap the Cast icon, and select your Google TV device. The content plays on your TV while you control it from your phone.

If an app doesn't have a Cast button, it doesn't support casting to Google TV. Some apps offer AirPlay instead, which is Apple's casting system and doesn't work with Google TV. Check the app's settings or help section to see what casting options it offers.

For screen mirroring on an iPhone or iPad, you'll need to use AirPlay to an Apple TV, not Google TV. Google TV does not support AirPlay mirroring from Apple devices. If you want to share your iPhone or iPad screen on a Google TV, you'll need to use a third-party app or mirror through a computer instead.

Casting From Windows and Mac Computers

On a Windows or Mac computer, open Google Chrome and navigate to the website or video you want to cast. Click the three-dot menu in the top right corner of Chrome, select "Cast," and choose your Google TV device from the list. The content appears on your TV while you keep control from your computer.

You can cast a single Chrome tab or your entire desktop. To cast just one tab, select it from the Cast menu. To cast your whole screen, click the three-dot menu, go to Cast, and choose "Cast desktop" or "Cast entire screen" (the exact wording depends on your browser version). Desktop casting is useful for presentations or sharing documents, but it uses more bandwidth and may lag slightly.

If you're using a website that doesn't work well with Chrome casting, try opening it in a different browser tab and casting that instead. Some streaming services have their own Cast buttons built into their websites — look for the Cast icon before using Chrome's menu option.

Troubleshooting When Your Device Doesn't Appear

If your Google TV device doesn't show up in the Cast list, first check that both devices are on the same WiFi network. Open your phone's WiFi settings or your computer's network settings and confirm you're connected to the same network name as your Google TV. If they're on different networks, casting won't work.

Restart your Google TV device by unplugging it for 10 seconds, then plugging it back in. While it's restarting, also restart your phone or computer. Once both devices are back on, try casting again. This fixes most connection problems.

If the device still doesn't appear, check that casting is turned on in your Google TV settings. On your Google TV remote, go to Settings, then System, then About, and look for a Cast setting. Make sure it's enabled. If you're still having trouble, restart your WiFi router by unplugging it for 30 seconds.

What to Do If Casting Keeps Disconnecting

If casting starts but then stops or becomes choppy, your WiFi signal may be weak. Move your phone or computer closer to your Google TV or WiFi router. If you're far from the router, the connection may drop. Switching to a 5 GHz WiFi band instead of 2.4 GHz can also help if your router supports both.

Close other apps on your phone or computer that are using the internet — streaming video, large downloads, or video calls can interfere with casting. If you're casting video and it keeps buffering, try casting from a different app or website to see if the problem is with that specific source.

If casting disconnects every time you try, restart both devices completely. Unplug your Google TV for 10 seconds, restart your phone or computer, and try again. If the problem continues, check that your Google TV has the latest software update by going to Settings, then System, then About, then System Update.

Casting Audio Only to Google TV

Some apps let you cast audio without video — useful for playing music or podcasts through your TV's speakers. Open a music app like Google Play Music, Spotify, or YouTube Music, tap the Cast button, and select your Google TV device. The audio plays through your TV while the app on your phone shows what's playing.

Audio casting uses less bandwidth than video casting and won't interrupt if you switch apps on your phone. You can browse the internet, check email, or use other apps while audio continues playing on your TV. To stop audio casting, tap the Cast button again and select "Disconnect."

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be on the same WiFi network to cast?

Yes. Your phone, computer, and Google TV must all be connected to the same WiFi network. If they're on different networks, the Cast button won't show your Google TV in the device list. Check your network settings to confirm you're on the same network name.

Can I cast from my iPhone to Google TV?

Only if the app you're using has a built-in Cast button. YouTube, Google Photos, and Google Home support casting from iPhone. Many other apps don't. If an app offers AirPlay instead, that works with Apple TV but not Google TV. Check the app's settings to see what casting options it supports.

What happens to my phone when I'm casting?

Your phone becomes a remote control. You can pause, play, skip, and adjust volume from your phone while content plays on the TV. You can also use other apps on your phone at the same time — casting continues in the background. To stop casting, tap the Cast button and select "Disconnect."

Why does casting keep stopping?

Weak WiFi signal is the most common cause. Move closer to your router or switch to a 5 GHz WiFi band if available. Close other apps using the internet, like video calls or large downloads. If it keeps happening, restart both your Google TV and your phone or computer completely.

Can I cast from a web browser?

Yes, from Google Chrome on Windows or Mac. Click the three-dot menu, select "Cast," and choose your Google TV device. You can cast a single tab or your entire desktop. Other browsers may not have built-in Cast support — Chrome works most reliably.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.